Tag Archives: accountability

July 9
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“Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” (Psalm 69:6, NIV)

As children of God, we represent the “family name.”

All that some people know of God — particularly those who do not know God — is what they see of God in us; and what they hear of God from us. For this reason, it should be our ambition to grow to maturity in the grace and knowledge of God.

Today’s psalm is attributed to David, of whom it was written that he was “a man after God’s own heart.”  (1 Samuel 13:14)

David didn’t always live up to his potential as a warrior (although he was a peerless warrior); as a king (although he was a great king); as a father, or as a husband. However, when David failed he didn’t make excuses for his failures.  He fought to regain sight of God’s standard, turned his heart toward the Lord, and owned-up to whatever personal sacrifices and behavior changes he needed to return to fellowship with his Creator.

David knew, as we should know, that we are always under observation. When our children watch us, as they do, what do they see?  When our co-workers watch us, as they will, what do they see? When our casual acquaintances think of us, as they shall, does integrity, self-control, fairness, gentleness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and love come to mind?

The world watches the children of God.  Does what they see of us; and what they hear from us speak well of our family name?  – Luther

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May 29
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“They said, ‘Though John [the Baptist] never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.’ And in that place many believed in Jesus.” (John 10:41-42, NIV)

It is not necessary to be a worker of signs and miracles to be at the heart of the plan of God for this world.

John the Baptist only proclaimed the truth — and because of his testimony, many believed in Jesus.

It is worth noting that telling the truth is not always an easy task: Speaking the truth — in love — is hard when we’re personally frustrated; the truth is often at odds with “conventional wisdom” or with the “politically correct”; and the truth is often — as the proverb says — “just getting its shoes on while a lie has run half-way around the world.”

However, according to scripture, it is knowing the truth that makes us free. (John 8:32)

Not many of us will work miracles, but all of us can strive to know the truth intimately; to live the truth faithfully; and to speak the truth in love. In doing so, many around us will come to believe in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.  – Luther

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April 27
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“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:47-48, NIV)

Accountability.

The harsh images of this passage remind us of three important things about accountability: Knowing, being, and doing.

First, we are to know the Master’s will.  As we are instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show ourselves approved of God, a workman who need not be ashamed.”  Second, we are to be in the state of readiness.  Third, we are to do our duty in obedience to our Master’s will. To know, to be, or to do otherwise invites rebuke.

Be diligent in both the acquisition of the tools of discipleship — and in the use of those tools for the glory of God — so that when the Master returns, you may have reason for great joy when called to give an accounting of your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.  – Luther

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